INDIGENOUS STUDENTS VIEWBOOK 2020-2021

We acknowledge with respect the Lekwungen-speaking peoples on whose traditional territory the University of Victoria stands, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day. VICTORIA, CANADA

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INDIGENOUS STUDENTS

AT UVIC

1,300+

Carolyn Belleau (Political Science, 2018) is one of 26 students in UVic’s Indigenous Law program. She intends to influence policy and provide legal expertise for her home community, Esk’etemc (Alkali Lake, BC), and beyond.

YOU'VE GOT SOMETHING GREAT; BRING IT TO UVIC.You already have something amazing to offer; bring it to UVic! Here, your knowledge, experiences and perspective will shape the UVic community. At the same time, you’ll have opportunities to develop a deeper appreciation of your own culture and your place within it. At UVic, Indigenous cultural activities and academics go hand-in-hand, so you don’t need to leave your culture behind to pursue your university education.

“NEW’EWS SN ɁEYɁ ŠWELEQWƏNS”(Bring in your good feelings)

UVic is committed to creating better opportunities for Indigenous students, building and improving respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities and encouraging everyone to be part of a shared vision for the future as part of our response to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The Lekwungen Elders of this territory share with us teachings of “New’ews sn ɁeyɁ šweleqwǝns” (bring in your good feelings) and “Nǝcǝ māt gwens čey’i” (work together). We invite you to reflect on these teachings as you explore the next step of your educational journey.

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BE AT HOME HEREAt UVic, you’ll live and learn in a beautiful park-like campus surrounded by forest, beaches and quiet neighbourhoods. You’ll be part of our welcoming community of students and professors who come from diverse communities across Canada and from over a hundred countries. Wherever you’re from, you’ll soon feel at home at UVic.

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FIRST PEOPLES HOUSEThe First Peoples House is your cultural and social centre at UVic and your home away from home. Here you’ll find a study area, ceremonial hall, computer lab and an Elders-in-residence room.

INDIGENOUS ART ON CAMPUSDiscover an inspiring collection of Indigenous art in buildings like the First Peoples House and the Cornett Building, and throughout our outdoor spaces. Totem poles, welcome figures, prints, button blankets and sculptures are reminders that we live and work in traditional Indigenous territories. Take a self-guided walking tour and discover the works of many prominent Indigenous artists.

CENTRE FOR ATHLETICS, RECREATION AND SPECIAL ABILITIES (CARSA)No matter what your sport or recreational activity, you’ll find it at CARSA. Here you can use the state-of-the-art gymnasium, indoor field house, climbing tower, rowing centre, fitness and weight-training centre and sports injury clinic. It's just one of many places on campus to train your mind and body.

MYSTIC VALELekwungen and WSÁNEĆ oral traditions tell us that this is a sacred site and a hunting and harvesting area. Popular walking trails wind through the forest where you’ll find cedar, Douglas fir, arbutus, camas, deer, many bird species and traditional plant medicines.

OPPORTUNITIES MATTERChoose from over 100 undergraduate academic programs and 120 graduate programs, some of which emphasize Indigenous language and culture, health and social welfare, and governance and leadership.

V Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalization

V Certificate Program in Foundations in Indigenous Fine Arts

V Diploma in Child and Youth Care in Indigenous Communities

V Diploma in Community Development and Governance

V Diploma in Indigenous Language Revitalization

V Bachelor of Child and Youth Care with an Indigenous Specialization

V Bachelor of Education in Indigenous Language Revitalization

V Bachelor of Social Work (Indigenous social work or Indigenous child welfare)

V Bachelor in Health and Community Services (Indigenous Peoples’ Health specialization)

V Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalization

V Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Nationhood

V Master of Arts in Indigenous Language Revitalization

V Master of Education in Indigenous Language Revitalization

V Master of Social Work, Indigenous Specialization

V Master of Indigenous Communities Counselling Psychology

In addition to the programs listed above, UVic offers nearly 100 undergraduate courses that contain content with an Indigenous focus. UVic is committed to having Indigenous educators in all faculties.

NEW: INDIGENOUS STUDIES (BA) PROGRAM Indigenous Studies is an exciting area of study that emphasizes Indigenous ways of knowing and learning. Open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, the program explores the social, political, cultural and historical contexts that shape the lives and resurgence of Indigenous peoples—here and around the world. The program is offered as a minor and a major.

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PROGRAMS e.g., Visual Arts and Computer Science

DEPARTMENTS e.g., Visual Arts

FACULTY e.g., Fine Arts

JOINT DEGREE PROGRAM IN CANADIAN COMMON LAW (JD) AND INDIGENOUS LEGAL ORDERS (JID)This program is the first of its kind in the world. Combining intensive study of Canadian Common Law and deep engagement with the laws of Indigenous peoples, you’ll develop the skills needed to practice within Canadian Common Law, within Indigenous Legal Orders, and at the interface between them.

“ There is a richness of history in Indigenous laws together with ways of managing that are thousands of years old. They not only help Indigenous peoples to govern ourselves today; they provide the foundation for a new relationship with Canada … and that matters!”

Val NapoleonLaw Foundation Chair in Aboriginal Justice and Governance

and Director of the Indigenous Law Research Unit

WHAT IS A PROGRAM? WHAT IS A FACULTY?

Your program is a series of related courses you take to earn a degree.

Your department is the academic unit that offers your program.

Your faculty is a group of academic departments.

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NEARLY

WITH INDIGENOUS CONTENT

100 COURSES

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BRING YOUR LEARNING INTO PRACTICE

CO-OP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTSTake a break from your studies and try your hand at a potential career. Our co-op placements offer you culturally and professionally relevant work opportunities, and the chance to work with employers related to your program. Employers include community organizations, Indigenous governments, Indigenous companies and government agencies. Learn about many other co-op opportunities at uvic.ca/coopandcareer. If you have a specific career position in mind, we will work with you to organize your own unique placement.

SAMPLE UVIC CO-OP SCHEDULEAlternate terms in school with terms in a job related to your program and get real-world experience as you learn. Start planning your co-op adventure at uvic.ca/coopandcareer.

Graduate with up to 16 months of work experience and earn up to $46,000 (on average) over the course of your degree.

Your experience matters. That’s why UVic offers many opportunities to take what you learn in the classroom into real life work and research environments through hands-on learning, co-op placements, internships, field schools and cultural and academic exchanges.

SEP-DEC JAN-APR MAY-AUG

YEAR 1 STUDY STUDY FREE SUMMER

YEAR 2 STUDY STUDY WORK 4 MONTHS EARN ≈ $11,500

YEAR 3 STUDY WORK 4 MONTHS EARN ≈ $11,500 STUDY

YEAR 4 WORK 4 MONTHS EARN ≈ $11,500 STUDY WORK 4 MONTHS EARN ≈ $11,500

YEAR 5 STUDY/GRADUATE

LE,NONET PROGRAMLE,NONET offers you a variety of academic and social opportunities throughout your time at UVic. You can use LE,NONET courses towards an Indigenous Studies degree or as electives in any other program. Learn more at uvic.ca/lenonet.

INDIGENOUS EXCHANGE IN AUSTRALIAIf studying abroad for a term interests you, you can apply for a co-op work placement at a partner institution in Australia through the International Indigenous Work-Integrated Learning Exchange.

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YOUR COMMUNITYWhether you’re coming from a small town, a big city or an Indigenous community, UVic offers you plenty of help with your transition to university life.

PEOPLECampus Cousins

Campus Cousins are friendly upper-level Indigenous students who will welcome you at exciting social, cultural and recreational activities on and off campus.

Native Students Union

When you join the Native Students Union, you’ll have the opportunity to share meals and take part in decision making that matters to you and affects Indigenous students on campus.

Elders-in-Residence

Elders are the keepers of sacred stories, songs, language, culture and traditions. You can stop by and visit one of the Elders at the First Peoples House for a friendly chat or cultural guidance. The Elders Lounge and Ceremonial Hall are specially ventilated so you can smudge.

Indigenous Counsellors

To help you navigate your transition to university life, and to support you throughout your journey, our Indigenous counsellors are here to listen. This free service is open to all Indigenous students.

Indigenous Mentorship Network

Interested in researching Indigenous topics? The Indigenous Mentorship Network of the Pacific Northwest can connect you with relevant peers, mentors, professors, funding and other resources to help make your research project a success. Visit uvic.ca/imnpn for more information.

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SERVICESOn-campus housing

If you’re coming to UVic directly out of high school, you're guaranteed a space in residence. If you're not a current high school student, you can apply for on-campus housing through our dedicated Indigenous housing. This includes accommodation for single undergraduate students and for a family with children. Graduate students may apply for on-campus housing. For more information and residence application deadlines, see uvic.ca/residence.

Academic Supports

If you need extra support in math and academic writing, our tutors are here to help you improve your skills with no cost to you. You can connect with the Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement in the First Peoples House to learn about academic supports.

EVENTSIndigenous Week of Welcome

At the beginning of the September and January terms, you can take part in the Indigenous Week of Welcome, which includes activities like welcome feasts and cultural workshops. Meet the Elders-in-Residence, the Indigenous staff and generally get your term off to a start in a good way.

Wellness events

Throughout the year you can take part in wellness activities at the First Peoples House that can help reduce the stress that sometimes comes with being a student.

Cultural activities

You can connect with Indigenous cultural practices by taking part in activities like preparing traditional foods and learning to make a drum or ribbon skirt at the First Peoples House.

AWARD-WINNER!

Mathematics student Tyra Cockney-Goose is the first Inuk to win the prestigious national STEAM Horizon award. The $25,000 prize will help Tyra make positive change in her community.

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HOW WILL I FUND MY EDUCATION?

SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES

A scholarship is a payment awarded on the basis of your academic achievement. A bursary is a payment awarded on the basis of financial need. For a complete list of scholarships and bursaries, visit uvic.ca/safa.

Basic academic entrance scholarships

If you are a high school student and have an overall admission average of at least 85%, you are guaranteed between $2,000 to $26,000 when you self-report your grades. You do not need to apply for these scholarships. If you are a transfer student or other non-high-school applicant, see uvic.ca/safa.

INVEST IN YOUR FUTUREYour UVic education is a valuable investment that will reward you throughout your life. Finances should not be a barrier. No matter your financial situation, UVic offers opportunities to offset the cost of university through scholarships, bursaries, co-op, work study and more.

SAMPLE FIRST-YEAR COSTS*

Tuition for Business $7,766

Tuition for Engineering $6,303

Tuition for all programs except Business and Engineering $5,696

Single room with a standard meal plan $11,034

Double room with a standard meal plan $9,678

Cluster room (does not include meal plan) $6,686

Books and supplies $1,700

Student fees $850

*Tuition and student fees are based on September to April 2019-2020 rates. Eight months of study (five courses per term). On-campus residence rates based on September to April 2019-2020 rates. All figures in Canadian dollars.

Plan your budget at uvic.ca/whatdoesitcost.

Specific-criteria entrance scholarships If you are a high school student and have an overall admission average of at least 85%, you can apply for these scholarships between February 15 and April 30.

In-course scholarships

In-course scholarships become available once you begin taking classes with us as a full-time student.

Athletic awards

UVic encourages you to participate in athletics and offers over 100 athletics awards.

Indigenous student awards

UVic offers over 50 scholarships and bursaries to First Nations (status/non-status), Inuit and Métis students. To be eligible, you will need to self-identify as Indigenous on your scholarship application.

Scholarships and bursaries from your academic department

Once you’re a UVic student, you can apply for scholarships and awards from your faculty.

BC provincial tuition waiver program

If you are currently or were formerly a youth in care in BC for at least 24 months, and you’re between 19 and 26 years old, you are eligible for the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver. This program covers the cost of tuition and fees charged by the post-secondary institution for any credit or non-credit courses leading to a certificate, diploma, credential or undergraduate degree.

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External awards

Visit uvic.ca/safa for a list of external awards.

Bursaries

Indigenous students with identified financial need are eligible to apply for LE,NONET bursaries. Visit uvic.ca/safa for a list of UVic bursaries.

Emergency Funds

If you face unexpected financial hardships while attending UVic, you can meet with us to arrange emergency funding.

Nation or band funding

Some bands and nations have funding to support your education. Contact your band, nation or Indigenous recruiter to learn more.

Available to all indigenous students Status or band-funded Non-status or non-band-funded Métis students (BC)

YOUR FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES IN ACTION

VICTORIA NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE MÉTIS NATION BC

ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP CO-OP, IN-COURSE SCHOLARSHIPS, RESEARCH AWARDS

BURSARIES AND EXTERNAL AWARDS, e.g., IRVING K. BARBER AWARD

BAND FUNDING

YEAR 1

Tuition $5.5 k

Books, supplies & fees

Housing & meal plan

$11 k

$2.2 k

Tuition $5.5 k

Books, supplies & fees

Housing & meal plan

$11 k

$2.2 k

Tuition $5.5 k

Books, supplies & fees

Housing & meal plan

$11 k

$2.2 k

Tuition $5.5 k

Books, supplies & fees

Housing & meal plan

$11 k

$2.2 k

YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4

STUDENT LOANS AND WORK STUDY

EARN WHILE YOU LEARNCo-op

Alternate work terms and school terms, and graduate with up to 16 months of paid work experience and as much as $46,000 in co-op earnings. Graduate from university knowing what you want to do and have the skills and contacts to make your dream job a reality. See page 5 for more details.

Work Study

If you are a full-time student and demonstrate financial need, you’re eligible to participate in the Work Study program, which offers part-time employment on campus. This is a great way to earn while you learn.

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SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO INDIGENOUS STUDENTS54

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My First Year @ UVic @UVicIACE @MyUVic @UniversityOfVictoria uvic.ca/future-students uvic.ca/myuviclife uvic.ca/virtualtour

Student Recruitment, University Centre, Office B210 | Email: indigenous.recruiter@uvic.ca | Phone: 250-853-3729

VICTORIA, CANADA